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Once vein problems are present, the only way to eliminate them is through medical treatment. The choice of medical treatment is dependent on the type and size of the varicosity, its location and depth from the skin surface, and whether or not reflux is present. Treatment options include nonsurgical procedures such as compression sclerotherapy, duplex-guided foam sclerotherapy and Veinwave treatment of spider veins; and minimally invasive procedures such as EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and Mini-Phlebectomy. All these treatment methods are available at the Centre for Vein Care.

The Centre for Vein Care offers a customized treatment plan for each client employing a combination of treatment modalities to treat the whole spectrum of Varicose Veins. These include Conservative and Preventive Methods, Sclerotherapy Treatments, Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures such as Mini-Phlebectomy and EndoVenous Laser Therapy and Veinwave Treatment for Spider Veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, or ‘injection therapy’, is the most common method of treatment for varicose and spider veins on the legs. During treatment, a mild sclerosing solution is injected into the varicosity, dilated vein or network of spider veins. The sclerosing agent irritates the walls of the vein, causing it to go to spasm and shrink in size. The vein walls stick together and the vein eventually disappears. A transilluminating device is utilized to better visualize the full extent of the varicosities as well as to locate its deeper origins.

A single sclerotherapy treatment session involves multiple injections. The number of treatment sessions needed will vary, depending on the number and size of veins treated, the necessary healing time, and the level of cosmetic expectation desired.

Following each treatment session, the leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage for several hours to 1 day followed by the use of compression stockings for another 2-3 days, depending on the size of the veins treated. Resumption of normal daily activities is encouraged immediately after treatment except for vigorous leg exercises.

Sclerotherapy is a very safe and effective procedure, requires no down time and produces excellent results in the elimination of varicose veins.

Veins in the hands, chest and breast areas as well as in the face may also be treated effectively with sclerotherapy.

Duplex-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

This is a new form of a specially prepared sclerosing agent and is used primarily for moderate to large sized varicosities and those varicosities located deeper from the skin surface. This technique is extremely effective because the solution is visible via ultrasound and is easily guided and delivered to the precise source of the problem.

Foam is a specially prepared form of sclerosing agent which is basically a mixture of liquid sclerosant and air and is mixed until microbubbles are formed inside the syringe prior to its delivery. Foam sclerotherapy is very safe and effective and is very well tolerated.

Thermocoagualtion for Facial Veins

Thermocoagulation is the most recent and most advanced revolutionary technique to permanently eliminate troublesome red veins in the face also known as telangiectasias. After many laser and light-based systems have failed in the removal of spider veins, this treatment has been the choice by physicians and patients alike. It offers unprecedented advantages through a relatively painless walk-in, walk-out procedure with no risk of bruising, scarring or pigmentation.

Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Laser Ablation

EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is the most effective minimally invasive treatment method for varicose veins associated with reflux of the saphenous veins. EVLT employs both ultrasound and laser technologies to eliminate reflux and close off the saphenous veins with laser energy.

Under duplex ultrasound guidance, a tiny laser fiber is inserted directly into the vein through a catheter and a very dilute anesthetic solution is delivered around the vein. Laser energy is delivered while the laser fiber is slowly withdrawn from inside the vein sealing it off completely with heat. This requires only a very small incision in the skin. The patient walks out of the Centre and returns to normal activities immediately. The time involved to treat one leg is usually between 30-45 minutes.

EndoVenous Laser Treatment has an overall success rate greater than 98%. These results are considerably much better than those of traditional surgery. Cosmetic results with EVLT are much more superior than those achieved with traditional surgical stripping.

This procedure can be combined with Mini-Phlebectomy for the treatment of other varicose veins along with follow-up sclerotherapy to eliminate any remaining smaller varicosities.

Mini-Phlebectomy

Mini-phlebectomy, also called ambulatory, micro or stab avulsion phlebectomy, is an advanced in-office cosmetic procedure employed to delicately remove moderate to large sized bulging varicosities under local (tumescent) anesthesia through micro-incisions that require no stitches, leave virtually no scars, and has long lasting results.

This procedure is very well tolerated with very minimal discomfort. Normal activity may be readily resumed except for vigorous leg exercises.

Mini-phlebectomy may be performed by itself or in conjunction with EndoVenous Laser Treatment. Sclerotherapy is usually necessary to eliminate the remaining smaller varicosities.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is often the first approach utilized to relieve symptoms related to varicose veins particularly when legs are swollen.

Elastic stockings with graduated compression prevent superficial leg veins from pooling with blood and help veins and leg muscles move blood back to the heart more efficiently.

Compression stockings are essential to the effectiveness of all other forms of varicose vein treatments and are recommended to be worn all day long. Compression stockings available at our Centre are attractive, comfortable and available in a variety of colours, styles and degrees of pressure.